Kauffman’s Currents features stories and insights that underscore the essential role of education and entrepreneurship in empowering all people to shape their futures, create vibrant communities, and grow an inclusive economy.

The overall goal is that students of all ages in Kansas City are prepared for learning, work, and life after graduation, enabling them to be economically independent, contributing members of their communities.

The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is a nationally recognized convening site located adjacent to the Foundation offices in Kansas City. This facility welcomes more than 75,000 thought leaders per year.

Individual Schools Grants Recipients

The Kauffman Foundation invests in dozens of district, charter, and private schools serving lower-income students in the six-county metro Kansas City region (Johnson and Wyandotte counties in Kansas, and Cass, Clay, Jackson, and Platte counties in Missouri).

Here are just a few examples of how schools supported by the Individual Schools Grants program are exploring new approaches to helping students succeed.

New Americans Academy, Kansas City Public Schools: The New Americans Academy helps English language learners from around the world who are enrolled in Kansas City Public Schools navigate language, cultural and academic challenges on their path to a quality education.

Kansas City Neighborhood Academy: Designed to transform educational outcomes for students in Kansas City’s urban core, Kansas City Neighborhood Academy is working to provide students with the education they need to thrive as 21st century citizens.

Apache Innovative School, Shawnee Mission School District: To better prepare students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, Apache Innovative School is transforming its traditional elementary school to an innovative school that provides project-based, personalized learning, and flexible scheduling.

Belton High School: To support the transformation of Belton’s only high school into career academies, the grant allows Belton High School to implement the Ford Next Generation Learning Model during the next two years.

Lee A. Tolbert Community Academy: The grant will support the integration of effective instructional technology practices at Lee A. Tolbert during the next two years.